Mariam’s #justkeepmoving

Activity is a key component of health for any human being – young and old, in sickness and in health, and wherever you may be in the world. With this in mind Physiopedia has started a new campaign to ask the world to “just keep moving” and we would love it if you would get involved.

Mariam Mohana is a valued Physiopedia volunteer and has kindly taken time to share what #justkeepmoving means to her. Take it away Mariam!

Physical activity wasn’t part of my life until after college. PA didn’t receive much attention at school. For my parents, studying was the most vital duty on earth and sport was considered luxury. Weight-gain wasn’t my motive to hit the gym, in fact it was my fear of developing osteoarthritis (a running disease in my family). It then became a chore that I soon abandoned for boredom. The love of movement brought me back again, and the boost of adrenaline that comes immediately after an outdoor run, the feeling of lightness that tickles my body after a yoga routine or the ecstasy after a morning swim. Moving became a necessity equal to food and air.

Keep moving initiative pushed me to reflect on my community and what’s keeping us behind in terms of promoting physical activity. I come from Cairo-Egypt and I believe that the majority of Egyptians don’t meet half of the recommended dose of weekly PA (This observation comes from clinical experience and it isn’t supported by stats).

Regardless of the socioeconomic barriers, there are cultural stigmas that need to be tackled before considering other factors. People don’t exercise simply because they are not aware of how important exercise is. Some have myths that too much exercise might damage joints! The majority, however, believe that exercising is a luxury. Pollution and the difficulty to find a sidewalk, a pedestrian–friendly street, a community centre or apark imposes further challenge. Another factor that really concerns me is that many healthcare professionals lack enough knowledge to recommend exercise safely for their patients. Nevertheless, many of physiotherapy referred patients come to our clinics with advice from their physicians to restrict motion as much as possible!

One individual’s effort may not lead to major changes but at least it would be an appreciated initiative. Starting by having conversation with our patients, educating them and trying to understand their fears and barriers. But first, we should aim to educate ourselves to be able to raise awareness and, of course, #justkeepmoving.

Thanks Mariam!

How Can I Get Involved?

Over the next few months the team at Physiopedia will be sharing their thoughts about what #justkeepmoving means to them and how they will be getting involved with the campaign. We would love it if you would join us, here are a few ideas:

Share the #justkeepmoving idea with your patients, together you could set goals for keeping moving.

Share the #justkeepmoving idea with your friends and family to optimise their health.

Create a #justkeepmoving infographic or poster to share in your clinic or on social media.

Promote activity by wearing #justkeepmoving on your clothing (we are setting up an online shop specifically for this purpose right now!)

Design your own #justkeepmoving t-shirt, we’ll add it to the shop, donate the profits to Physiopedia and reward the most popular design, the more the merrier!

Wear the #justkeepmoving race wear at the next race you enter, you could even fundraise for the #justkeepmovingcampaign via the Physiopedia Just Giving account.

Set new goals to #justkeepmoving your personal and professional life forwards.

Or simply send us an article to publish on Physiospot on what #justkeepmoving means to you.

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